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This article is a concise guide to the best running watches available today at differing prices and functionality. As well as recommendations for the best watchof Jan 2018, I also have 'm no longer actively reviewing watches, but this page will remain accessible as a few that are worth considering point in spite of their flaws, and some to avoidtime reference. * The [[Garmin Epix]] has "what to look for in a running watch" remains valid and I'd recommend understanding the most features, though its limitations of GPS accuracy lets it down a littlefor running. It has full color maps for navigation, something thatI's great when running in a strange town or d recommend checking out in the wilderness. It supports the [[Connect IQ]] downloadable apps to make it extensiblehttps://thewirecutter. * The [[Garmin 920XTcom/reviews/best-running-watch]] can be thought of as for a cut down version of the Epixfairly unbiased opinion, with slightly better but you should read [[GPS AccuracyStryd| my review of Stryd footpod]], but lacking some as that remains one of the other features (mainly the color map). * The [[Garmin 310XT]] is the best value most useful devices for money measuring pace and has all the features you're likely to needdistance. (The [[Garmin 910XT]] has more features, but tends I would suggest avoiding "pseudo-marketing" sites that proport to be a little more pricybeing detailed reviews without providing any critical thinking.)* If the 310XT A good litmus test is too big and you want something more watch like, then the [[Garmin 610]] is great, and it's often available refurbished at a great price. * The [[Suunto Ambit2]] and [[Suunto Ambit3]] are both great watches, with excellent to check what they say about [[GPS Accuracy]]. For most runners the cheapest of the range (Ambit 2 R/Ambit 3 Run) are the best choice, but for ultrarunners the extra battery life of the (Ambit 2/Ambit 3 Peak) may be worthwhile. * The [[Garmin 620]] has a lovely usability, but – if they say "it's more expensive than the 610 and all good" then you can't get your current [[Pace From A Footpod]]ll know it's just marketing. * For [[GPS Accuracy]], the [[Polar V800]] is the best, but it falls short in many other areasFile:Best Watch. * The [[Garmin 225]] png|center|thumb|400px|This flowchart is a simple guide to finding the only right watch that has an optical heart rate monitor that works acceptably wellfor you. * Consider using Use it as a [[Running With A Smartphone| Smartphone]]; starting point, and read the detailed reviews to understand if a watch is really right for you already have one they are . (Click for a cheap option and can have outstanding [[GPS Accuracylarger version.)]]. =Comparison=Here's a table of these features for each of the watches I recommend (all have GPS). {{:Best Running Watch-table}}

* '''How far did I run?''' This is probably the key feature that most runners are looking for, and it requires good [[GPS accuracyAccuracy]]. How much the accuracy of a watch will impact your running will depend on the course. Overall, most watches do pretty well in straight lines, but suffer when things get twisty. My testing is a tough challenge for GPS, so it highlights the differences between the great and the appalling. With the advent of the [[Stryd]] footpod that's far more accurate than GPS and doesn't require any calibration, Stryd support is now more important than GPS accuracy. * '''How fast am I running?''' While you can work out your average pace from your distance and time, you'll often want to know how fast you're currently running. Unfortunately, GPS is rather poor at answering this question, so you need a [[Stryd]] footpod, or use [[Pace From A Footpod]] and a first-generation [[Footpod]]. An accurate indication of your current pace is important for any training program that requires running at a specific pace, and for success in racing at many distances. * '''Where am I?''' It's not unreasonable to expect a GPS enabled watch to tell you where you are or how to get back to the start. Navigation varies from a simple compass needle showing the direction to return to the start to a display of the route you've just run or a preloaded course. The Motoactv and Fenix 2 can display preloaded maps showing roads and names, while the Epix and Leikr show full color maps. * '''What's my cadence? '''A display of [[Cadence]] is a critical training tool and newer watches are able to use an internal accelerometer to provide Cadence without any accessories. Other watches may need a Foodpod [[Footpod]] or the newer Garmin watches can use the running dynamics heart rate strap. A Cadence alert will help you stay in the right cadence range, and is a useful feature.

** [[Optical heart rate monitoring Heart Rate Monitoring]] is more convenient, but does not work very well.

* '''Battery Life.''' How much battery life you need depends on how long you run for. It's best to have a watch that will last quite a bit longer than your longest run. I list the claimed battery life in my table, along with the results of my testing. For my tests, I do everything to maximize battery life without compromising GPS accuracy. That means normal GPS sampling frequency, but no backlight, no map display, and no button presses. I also ensure Bluetooth, WAAS and GLONAS are disabled. I don't test devices that I've had for a while, as the battery tends to degrade over time.

[[File:ChargingOnTheRun.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Charging a watch on the run can work, but it's awkward at best.]]Choosing a watch for an ultramarathon requires some tradeoffs and there's no simple answer. The main factor is battery life, as few watches can be relied on to lost more than 20 hours with GPS active. I think there are three main approaches to this problem:# [[Charge On The Run]]. This is a little cumbersome as you typically have to carry a battery pack and an adapter, or at least have them in your drop bag. Not all watches support [[Charge On The Run]], and only a subset of them do so with reasonable convenience.# Use two watches. This is also rather inconvenient and expensive, though you may be able to use to cheaper watches rather than one more expensive watch. For the second part of your run, the second watch won't have your full time and distance, so you'll need to make a note from the first watch and do some math. (Doing math late in an ultra is as difficult as it sounds.)# Extended battery life. A number of watches allow you to reduce the GPS accuracy to gain greater battery life. This lack of accuracy can be offset by using the Stryd Footpod for the first part of the race (they claim that Stryd lasts 20 hours.) Another approach is to turn the GPS off entirely and rely on a first generation [[Footpod]], in which case many watches will last several days. While the accuracy of a first gen [[Footpod]] can be better than GPS, the Footpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track.And some runners will want navigation. I see three main approaches to I wish I could provide, simple, clear cut advice, but unfortunately things are not so easy. You'll need to think about how long you'll be running for, the features that are important to you, and how much compromise you can live with. [[File:Charge On The Run - Fenix3 (2).jpg|center|thumb|200px|[[Charge On The Run]] is an option for ultras.]]

* In my testing, the longest battery life that's available with good GPS on is 30 hours with the [[Epson SF-510]], 24 hours with the [[Polar V800]], then 22 hours with the [[Garmin Fenix 3]], 19 with the [[Garmin 920XT]], and 17 with the [[Garmin Epix]]. * Of the watches where I've not tested the battery life, there's 20 hours for the [[Suunto Ambit3| Suunto Ambit3 Peak]], [[Garmin 310XT]] and [[Garmin 910XT]]. * If you need much longer For ultras lasting less than 20 hours, which is common in such as 50 miles or 100 mile racesKm, you end up with some compromises. * Some watches can extend the battery life by only taking a GPS fix less frequently. This can be acceptable on a straight course like the Keys 100 or Badwater, but it can be appalling on twisty trails. ** The [[Garmin Epix]] gives 50 hours in extended mode (UltraTrac), but its GPS accuracy is lacking have plenty of choice and the map display tends to eat the battery life. (UltraTrac appears to use a variable recording frequency.) ** The [[Suunto Ambit3| Suunto Ambit3 Peak]] has 20 hours with normal GPS recording, and 30 hours at 5 second sampling, which is great. It will go as high as 200 hours with 60 second sampling. There is some course display capability, but it's should not as good others. There's also the cheaper [[Suunto Ambit3| Suunto Ambit3 Run]] that gives 15 hours at 5 second sampling, or 100 hours at 60 second sampling. ** The [[Garmin 920XT]] gives 40 hours in extended mode using UltraTrac and variable recording frequencyconstrain you too much.** The [[Suunto Ambit2| Suunto Ambit2 R]] gives 20 hours in extended mode (60 second GPS sampling) and the more expensive Ambit2 gives 50 hours. There is some course display capability, but it's not as good others. ** The [[Polar V800]] has a stated battery life of 13 hours, but without Bluetooth I found it lasted for nearly For 24 hours! The extended mode increases the rated life to 50 hour (I got just over 50 hours), and you can charge it on the run. The V800 has no map races or course display. ** The [[Garmin Fenix 2]] will give 50 hours in extended mode, but it has mediocre [[GPS Accuracy]] even in normal mode and it has the occasional "lost satellite reception" problem. * You can turn off GPS and use a [[Footpod]], which boost the battery life of most Garmin watches to several days. Obviously 100 mile races where you lose navigation and while the accuracy of expect a [[Footpod]] can be better than GPS, finish in the Footpod does not do so well if you're taking [[Walking Breaks]] or running on twisty single track. * You can extend the battery life a little by avoiding using the backlight or changing the display. Showing the course outline or the map seems to drain the battery quite fast. I've had 37+ hours out of 24-30 hour range the [[Suunto Ambit2| Suunto Ambit2 REpson SF-510]] in extended mode with these tricks. * You can charge some watches on the run (see table above). This is awkward at best, as you need worth considering though the cable attached and to carry a USB battery pack, but some runners find this acceptable. I'd highly recommend something like this small battery pack that fits nicely in the hand - <jfs id="B005X1Y7I2" noreferb="true" n="Anker PowerCore+ mini" nonl="true"/>* Another option, depending on the race, life is to have two watches and swap part way through. Some runners will recharge their watch during a race, but that seems to be more hassle than it's worth as you have to carry a battery pack and the cable. (You can't charge the [[Garmin 920XT]] while it's in use, but you can charge the [[Garmin 310XT]] and [[Garmin 910XT]]one of its few good points.)

For some ultras (and shorter trail runs), navigation is a problem. I've been lost on the occasional race and it's a horrible experience. Even when I've been on course, the doubts and stress of worrying can be an enormous drain. My first GPS watch was purchased so that I'd have an outline of the course I was running and there were many races where I was glad of its comforting conformation. Remember that using the navigation features of these watches will dramatically reduce their battery life. * The [[Garmin Fenix 5X]] and the [[Garmin Epix]] has have a display that shows full color maps, so for navigation, nothing else comes close. (Well, the [[Leikr]] is even better, but it has a short battery life.) * The [[Garmin 310XT]], [[Garmin 910XT]], and [[Garmin 920XT]], [[Garmin Fenix 23]], [[Suunto Spartan Ultra]] will show an outline of your run (breadcrumbs) and allow you to load a course outline to follow. The [[Garmin 920XT]] will also display an outline of your run, but Garmin has crippled the 920XT by removing the ability to zoom the display. ** The [[Garmin 920XT]] has some mapping capabilities, but the lack of zoom cripples this functionality. *